3 answers
Benjamin
Student
Martin, Tennessee
1
Question
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What classes should I focus on as an undergrad electrical engineer if I want to become an RF engineer?
Or what classes should I choose to take specifically if I want to become an RF engineer
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3 answers
Shruthi Ramesh
Project Manager
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Shruthi’s Answer
Hello!! You have a great goal of becoming RF engineer,
To become an RF engineer, focus on core electrical engineering classes like circuit analysis, signals and systems, electromagnetics, and electronics. Then dive into specialized courses such as RF and microwave engineering, antennas and propagation, wireless communications, transmission lines, and signal processing. Hands-on lab work is crucial—look for RF/microwave labs, antenna labs, and PCB design projects. Learn to use tools like ADS, HFSS, CST, and MATLAB, and consider electives in embedded systems, IoT, and programming (Python or C) to round out your skill set.
To become an RF engineer, focus on core electrical engineering classes like circuit analysis, signals and systems, electromagnetics, and electronics. Then dive into specialized courses such as RF and microwave engineering, antennas and propagation, wireless communications, transmission lines, and signal processing. Hands-on lab work is crucial—look for RF/microwave labs, antenna labs, and PCB design projects. Learn to use tools like ADS, HFSS, CST, and MATLAB, and consider electives in embedded systems, IoT, and programming (Python or C) to round out your skill set.
Thank you!
Benjamin
April Yalenezian
Wireless Engineer
6
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
April’s Answer
Physics is the first thing that popped into my head. You can't avoid it or change it! It is what it is, and once you grasp it, you'll better understand things like propagation and path loss. Learn how the environment and atmosphere can affect signals. Study the spectrum, know its features, and see how it's been used and how it might be used in the future.
Good luck!
I'm excited to see what you'll achieve!
Good luck!
I'm excited to see what you'll achieve!
Robert Epstein
General Manager
94
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Benjamin,
In addition to undergrad EE classes, also consider becoming an amateur radio operator. As a ham operator, who joined many local ham clubs over the years, I learned much more about practical RF usage than I learned in engineering college. Plus, being a ham was lots of fun, since there are so many sub-specialties as a radio operator. Check out the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) online for additional resources, and consider attending a local ham club meeting. Your college may have a club, too. Being a ham opened more job doors for me than knowing just the necessary theory did. (Hams know other hams in companies that hire RF engineers.) Best of luck to you!
In addition to undergrad EE classes, also consider becoming an amateur radio operator. As a ham operator, who joined many local ham clubs over the years, I learned much more about practical RF usage than I learned in engineering college. Plus, being a ham was lots of fun, since there are so many sub-specialties as a radio operator. Check out the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) online for additional resources, and consider attending a local ham club meeting. Your college may have a club, too. Being a ham opened more job doors for me than knowing just the necessary theory did. (Hams know other hams in companies that hire RF engineers.) Best of luck to you!